The UK hospitality industry is responsible for around 3 million jobs, generating £130bn in activity, resulting in £38bn in taxation. However, unlike the Arts or Sports, the sector does not have a dedicated Minister.

The petition which was created by Claire Bosi from the Chef & Restaurant magazine is asking that a Minister for Hospitality be created for the current, and successive governments.

As an industry the benefits of a dedicated Minister would see them liaising with industry representatives, which would have been beneficial to Government & Industry during the coronavirus pandemic.

As the UK seeks to encourage investment & tourism back to the UK in coming years, the vision that the UK hospitality industry portrays of the UK is excellence, innovation, inspiration.

We need a Minister who can listen to concerns on taxation & legislation and bring forward suggestions to the Chancellor and policy makers on our behalf.

NFFF President Andrew Crook commented “The hospitality industry is such a large part of the economy and post Covid it is likely to be an important part of the recovery process providing much needed employment. BEIS have been excellent at communicating with industry through this pandemic but the Minister for Businesses has such a wide remit we agree that we warrant a dedicated Minister to represent and help us shape the industry for the future.”

To sign the petition, please click here https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/552201?fbclid=IwAR2fkK8SYWAEBVn-8OIgy67Uv9TxiLXMudO5k2qaLF6Yd-u_0t19foXX6Gs